Joniston (centre) representing the Chief Minister in a symbolic padi harvesting ceremony to mark the opening of the Tuaran Pesta Kaamatan celebration at Dewan Sri Sulaman today.
TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the Kaamatan Festival continues to serve as an important platform to strengthen unity, foster togetherness and enhance ties among Sabah’s diverse communities.
He said the celebration is not merely about preserving cultural heritage, but also about nurturing the values of mutual respect, cooperation and harmony among the people.
“Let us all take heed from this celebration by continuing to uphold the spirit of togetherness and unity as one big family,” he said at the Tuaran district-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at Dewan Sri Sulaman here today. His speech was read by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Hajiji said this year’s theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony”, reflects the importance of maintaining unity among Sabah’s multi-racial and multi-ethnic communities.
He said political stability and unity are essential in ensuring continued progress and development in the State.
“With the formation of the new State Government for its second term last November, the holistic development agenda under Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 will continue to guide Sabah towards greater success,” he said.
According to Hajiji, the success achieved under the SMJ 1.0 Development Plan proved that the Government’s administrative approach over the past five years had been on the right track.
He said SMJ 2.0 would continue focusing on transformation through improvements in mindset, work culture and the creation of new values to ensure sustainable progress.
The Chief Minister also assured that the State Government would continue strengthening the economy by empowering key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, industry and the digital economy.
At the same time, he said emphasis would also be given to human capital development through better education, skills enhancement and improving the employability of the local workforce.
Hajiji described the Kaamatan Festival as highly significant in line with the State Government’s efforts to preserve Sabah’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
“The State Government will continue supporting cultural and religious celebrations because such programmes can further strengthen unity among the people,” he said.
He added that Kaamatan is no longer celebrated solely by the Kadazandusun, Murut and Rungus communities, but has become a celebration embraced by all Sabahans.
Meanwhile, Hajiji urged the people, regardless of race and religion, to continue safeguarding unity and not be easily influenced by elements that could threaten the harmony long enjoyed in the State.
“What is important is for the people to continue supporting the Government so that more development can be brought to Sabah,” he said.
